By Kayla Good, Navy Office of
Community Outreach
NORFOLK, Va. – A 2012 Perryville High School
graduate and Port Deposit, Maryland native is serving in the U.S.
Navy with Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron 120 (VAW-120).
Seaman Nathan Schell works with the E-2D Advanced Hawkeye Squadron, also
known as “Greyhawks”, operating out of Norfolk, Virginia.
He
is responsible for the electrical operations of the aircraft.
“The
best part of my job is the fact that I get to
work on airplanes,” said Schell. “It is a cool field to be in and has given me
a lot of experience for the civilian world.”
VAW 120’s primary mission is to fly and train naval
aviators, naval flight officers, and naval aircrewmen to safely and effectively
operate E-2 and C-2 aircraft, preparing them to join the fleet.
The training also includes the newest variant of the E-2D
aircraft platform, the Advanced Hawkeye, which serves as the most advanced
surveillance aircraft in the Navy. It
features a state of the art radar with more capability and upgraded aircraft
systems that will improve supportability and increase readiness.
“The Greyhawks of VAW-120
work diligently to accomplish the mission of the sole Fleet Replacement
Squadron for the E-2 and C-2 communities,” said Cmdr. Evan Morrison, Commanding
Officer VAW 120. “It is an honor to see the quality of production set forth by
my sailors, and to witness the development of the Navy’s future Airborne Early
Warning and Logistics leaders.”
With a crew of over 100 sailors, jobs
are highly specialized and keep each part of the Hawkeye running smoothly,
according to Navy officials. The jobs range from training the new
aviators, maintaining airframes and engines, processing paperwork, as well as
handling and flying the aircraft.
“This
is my first command and I really like working with all the different people
from different backgrounds,” said Schell. “With a big command like ours, you
get a well rounded experience.”
While on deployment, challenging living conditions build
strong fellowship among the crew, Navy officials explained. The crew is highly
motivated, and quickly adapt to changing conditions. It is a busy life of
specialized work, watches, and drills.
“Serving
in the Navy means that I am putting in my time
so that I know that I was able to help out our country,” added Schell. “I like
being able to influence and have an effect for the country.”